Blazer's Edge - Tracking The 2012-13 Portland Trail Blazers In Various NBA Power RankingsThe ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2013-04-16T23:00:57-07:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/33386572013-04-16T23:00:57-07:002013-04-16T23:00:57-07:00Blazers Drop Slightly In Week 24 Power Rankings
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports Images</figcaption>
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<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 24 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers dropped slightly in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after an 0-3 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included losses to the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/4/3/4181036/blazers-drop-in-week-22-nba-power-rankings" target="_blank">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 19-22. This week, they placed from 20-23.</p>
<p>Note: A number of the power rankings didn't update this week, presumably because the end of the regular season is here. </p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">ranks the Blazers No. 22 (same as last week).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Forget the late-season skid. A Blazers rookie was not only healthy enough to run away with the ROY race but also to log more than 3,000 minutes. And Damian Lillard's 181 3-pointers, on top of all his other achievements, eclipsed Steph Curry's rookie record of 166. Promising season in Portland.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Schuhmann</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">NBA.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" style="line-height: 16px;">ranks the Blazers No. 23 (down from No. 22 last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>As Will Barton continues to show promise, the Blazers continue to lose. And now, because the Clippers and Warriors still have something to play for (and because Portland has lost 19 of its last 21 games in-conference), a season-ending, 13-game losing streak is almost a guarantee. The Eric Maynor trade looks like a good move, but more depth, especially on the frontline, is needed this summer. </p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Kurt Helin</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ProBasketballTalk.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/15/nba-power-rankings-heat-end-rankings-where-they-ended-last-season/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (up from from No. 23 last week)</a>.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>They have the Rookie of the Year in Damian Lillard. They have an All-Star in LaMarcus Aldridge. They have some good role players such as Nicolas Batum and Will Barton. If they get a real defensive center this team could make a big jump next season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore </b>of<b> CBSSports.com </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 19 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The year wasn't as exciting as the fans thought it might be, but Damian Lillard made it all worth it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Hollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> (formerly) of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2" style="line-height: 16px;">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (same as last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats" target="_blank">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 13 (same as last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 27 (down from No. 26 last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 20 (down from No. 19 as last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 18 (same as last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds">Playoff odds</a>: 0.0 percent (same as last week)</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi">Playoff Forecast</a>: 0.0 percent (same as last week)</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/4/16/4233670/blazers-drop-in-week-24-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-04-10T18:15:57-07:002013-04-10T18:15:57-07:00Blazers Drop In Week 23 NBA Power Rankings
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 23 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers dropped in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after an 0-4 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included losses to the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/4/3/4181036/blazers-drop-in-week-22-nba-power-rankings" target="_blank">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 18-21. This week, they placed from 19-22.</p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 20).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Blazermaniacs who loathe the committee (of one) will be pleased to hear that their team ruined our Sunday night. The fourth-quarter rally that merely put an almighty scare into Dallas also prevented Dallas' 10-day signee Josh Akognon out of Cal State Fullerton from making his NBA debut.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Schuhmann</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">NBA.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" style="line-height: 16px;">ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 21 last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>If there's any good news for the Lakers right now, it's that we can confirm last week's notion that the Blazers, who play L.A. on Wednesday (and are done with the Jazz) have let go of the rope. Will Barton, who had 22 points, 13 boards, six assists and three steals in Sunday's loss to Dallas, may still be engaged, but it will take more than the rookie to avoid a season-ending, 13-game losing streak.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Matt Dollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">SI.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130405/2013-nba-power-rankings-san-antonio-spurs-los-angeles-lakers/index.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 20 last week)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blazers are ending the season with a bit of a thud, losing their last six by an average of 17.2 points. The loss of LaMarcus Aldridge, who has missed Portland's last four games, is partially to blame, but the team's problems run deep. Portland was outrebounded in all six of those losses and committed an average of 22.5 turnovers while forcing just 9.5. The Blazers' lack of rebounding (21st in league) and defense (25th in efficiency) has been their crux all season, but they've been particularly vulnerable of late, leading to them limping to the finish line.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Kurt Helin</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ProBasketballTalk.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/08/nba-power-rankings-knicks-climb-up-to-no-2/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 21 last week)</a>.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Losers of eight games in a row, but you know they will be up for the game Wednesday and the chance to play spoiler for the Lakers. At least the fans will be.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Marc Spears</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">Yahoo! Sports </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--heat-closing-strong-064840201.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (same as last week)</a>.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>A month ago, the Blazers were trying to sneak into the playoffs. Now they're in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore </b>of<b> CBSSports.com </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 19 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Is Lillard-Batum-Aldridge a core you can build a title contender around?</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Hollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> (formerly) of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2" style="line-height: 16px;">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (down from No. 18 last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats" target="_blank">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 13 (down from No. 12 last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 26 (down from No. 25 last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 19 (down from No. 17 as last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 18 (up from No. 19 last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds">Playoff odds</a>: 0.0 percent (same as last week)</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi">Playoff Forecast</a>: 0.0 percent (same as last week)</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/4/10/4211160/blazers-drop-in-week-23-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-04-03T18:08:11-07:002013-04-03T18:08:11-07:00Blazers Drop In Week 22 NBA Power Rankings
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 22 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers dropped in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after an 0-3 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included losses to the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/27/4154746/blazers-climb-slightly-in-week-21-nba-power-rankings">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 16-18. This week, they placed from 18-21.</p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (down from No. 18).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>All nine games on their April schedule are against teams either in the playoffs or right on the cusp (Utah and Dallas). You could say the same about the Blazers' last seven games. And remember: Portland finishing 12th or higher in the lottery prevents its first-round pick from going to Charlotte.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Schuhmann</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">NBA.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" style="line-height: 16px;">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 17 last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blazers have seemingly let go of the rope. Their defense has always been bad, but it's reached the "atrocious" level, allowing 118 points allowed per 100 possessions and 60 paint points per game, as they've lost four straight. They trailed both the Nets and Warriors by at least 28 points, gave up 58 points in the second half to the Thunder, and blew a fourth-quarter lead to the Jazz.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Matt Dollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">SI.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130329/nba-power-rankings-miami-heat-oklahoma-city-thunder/index.html">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (down from No. 17 last week)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Is J.J. Hickson the most underrated big man in the league? You could certainly make the case. He ranks in the top 10 in field-goal percentage and rebound percentage and is one of 10 players averaging a double-double. At 24, the power forward is only scratching the surface on his potential and will be even more dangerous once he develops a low-post game. Hickson is shooting just 36 percent on shots between 3-10 feet this year.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Kurt Helin</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ProBasketballTalk.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/01/nba-power-rankings-the-streak-is-dead-the-heat-not-so-much/">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 18 last week)</a>.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Some teams look like they have folded the tents and are just playing out the string. Portland would be in that category, having dropped four in a row.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Marc Spears</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">Yahoo! Sports </b><a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--heat-in-control-154139527.html">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (down from No. 18 last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Damian Lillard continues to be one of the few bright spots for Portland as he now owns the NBA's record for 3-pointers by a rookie. Hey, wasn't his shot in question before the draft?</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore </b>of<b> CBSSports.com </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (down from No. 17 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Almost time to shut everybody down after a better-than-expected season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Hollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> (formerly) of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2" style="line-height: 16px;">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (down from No. 16 last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats" target="_blank">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 12 (same as last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 25 (down from No. 24 last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 17 (down from No. 16 as last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 19 (same as last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds">Playoff odds</a>: 0.0 percent (down from 6.2 percent)</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi">Playoff Forecast</a>: 0.0 percent (down from 3.0 percent)</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/4/3/4181036/blazers-drop-in-week-22-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-03-27T16:34:37-07:002013-03-27T16:34:37-07:00Blazers Climb Slightly In Week 21 Power Rankings
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F3f6xDv3YE4aknvqq2fYkq0o_OI=/0x52:3112x2127/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10528347/20130321_jla_ad4_637.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 21 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers climbed slightly in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after a 2-3 road trip (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included wins over the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks and losses to the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/21/4132726/blazers-hover-in-week-20-nba-power-rankings">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 17-20. This week, they placed 16-18.</p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (up from No. 20).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The standing math says that the Blazers, no matter how many times we've written them off, still deserve to be lumped in as one of six teams alive for the West's final three playoff berths. Even after dropping 15 of their past 19 road games. So talk to us, Blazermaniacs. How do you see it?</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>John Schuhmann</b> of <b>NBA.com </b><a href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (up from No. 20 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As you might expect, the Blazers' five-game, seven-day road trip was a mixed bag. They lost to two teams that are under .500, beat two that are over .500, and got wiped out by the Thunder in the second half on Sunday. The other four starters each had big games (and off nights) along the way, but Nicolas Batum's right wrist injury continues to affect his shooting (39 percent over the last 10 games).</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Dollinger</b> of <b>SI.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130322/nba-power-rankings-miami-heat-new-york-knicks-indiana-pacers/index.html">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (same as last week)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The stubborn Blazers refuse to go away, remaining on the outskirts of the West playoff race despite a brutal February. Portland trails the eighth-seeded Lakers by 3½ games but also has to pass the Jazz and Mavericks. The Blazers have the benefit of playing six of their last 10 games at home (where they are 22-11), but they also have to endure six more road games against playoff teams. That's a lot to overcome for a young team.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Kurt Helin</b> of <b>ProBasketballTalk.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/25/nba-power-rankings-streakers-go-to-front-of-the-line/">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (up from No. 19 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>They are three games back of the Lakers for the last playoff spot in the West. They have to make that up and leapfrog two teams, hard to see that happening with the .500 ball they have played of late.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Marc Spears</b> of <b>Yahoo! Sports </b><a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--heat-chasing-history-153917195.html#more-id">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (same as last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Portland (2 ½ games back) has an outside chance of landing the last West playoff spot if it can overcome a tough remaining regular-season schedule that includes nine of 12 games against winning teams.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore </b>of<b> CBSSports.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (same as last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>They're in playoff purgatory: neither alive nor dead.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>John Hollinger</b> (formerly) of <b>ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2">ranks the Blazers No. 16 (up from No. 18 last week)</a>.</p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 12 (down from No. 10 last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 24 (same as last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 16 (same as last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 19 (same as last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds" target="_blank">Playoff odds</a>: 6.2 percent (up from 2.2 percent)</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi" target="_blank">Playoff Forecast</a>: 3.0 percent (up from 0.6 percent)</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/27/4154746/blazers-climb-slightly-in-week-21-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-03-21T12:54:06-07:002013-03-21T12:54:06-07:00Blazers Hover In Week 20 NBA Power Rankings
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OaZCbhC9tRvcCIObG0IVNY2qipg=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10181901/20130318_hcs_sy4_008.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 20 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers hovered once again in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after a 2-1 home stand (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included wins over the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons and a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/12/4095762/blazers-hold-steady-in-week-19-nba-power-rankings" target="_blank">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 17-20. This week, it was essentially the same.</p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (down from No. 17).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>One more long road trip and three more national TV dates (March 27 vs. Brooklyn and April 5 vs. Houston on ESPN; April 16 at the Clips) for the Damian Lillard Show. J.J. Hickson, meanwhile, is up to 10 games with at least 15 points and 15 rebounds, tied with Zach Randolph for second overall.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>John Schuhmann</b> of <b>NBA.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (same as last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blazers have <a target="_blank" href="http://stats.nba.com/leagueTeamGeneral.html?MeasureType=Advanced&PerMode=Totals&sortField=OFF_RATING&sortOrder=DES&Month=6&Rank=N&splits=Y">the league's No. 1 offense in March</a>, scoring more than 116 points per 100 possessions over eight games. A two point guard lineup has been key, as they've committed fewer than 10 turnovers per 100 possessions in 122 minutes with both Eric Maynor and Damian Lillard on the floor. If they sustain anything close to that through five road games in seven days, it will be more than noteworthy.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Dollinger</b> of <b>SI.com </b><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130315/nba-power-rankings-miami-heat-memphis-grizzlies/index.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (up from No. 18 last week)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Inside Man. The Blazers' biggest theft came last summer when they drafted Rookie of the Year favorite Damian Lillard with the sixth pick and got their franchise point guard. But Portland's also been stealing wins all season despite one of the shallowest rosters in the league. Just for good measure, the team nabbed its new best bench player, Eric Maynor, from the Thunder when Oklahoma City decided it no longer had room for him. All in all, not a bad heist.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Kurt Helin</b> of <b>ProBasketballTalk.com </b><a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/18/nba-power-rankings-western-teams-jockey-for-position-behind-heat/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (up from No. 20)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Going small with Damian Lillard and Eric Maynor in the backcourt together has Portland playing some fantastic offensive ball. Five road games this week, tough schedule that includes stops in Chicago, Atlanta and Oklahoma City.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Marc Spears</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">Yahoo! Sports </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--historic-run-keeps-heat-no--1--152415685.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (same as last week)</a>.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The falling Blazers have split their past 10 games and have a brutal schedule the rest of March at Milwaukee, at Chicago, at Atlanta, at Oklahoma City, vs. Brooklyn, vs. Utah and at Golden State.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore </b>of<b> CBSSports.com </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (same as last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Beat Memphis and New York, lose to the Sixers. Makes sense.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>David Aldridge</b> of <b>NBA.com </b>did not include the Blazers in his "fine 15" <a href="http://www.nba.us/2013/news/features/david_aldridge/03/18/morning-tip-teams-ready-for-stretch-run-chris-wright-feature-anthony-davis-q-and-a/index.html" target="_blank">this week</a>.</p>
<p><b>John Hollinger</b> (formerly) of <b>ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (up from No. 20 last week)</a>.</p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats" target="_blank">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 10 (up from No. 12 last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 24 (up from No. 25 last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 16 (down from No. 17 last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 19 (down from No. 20 last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds">Playoff odds</a>: 2.2 percent (down from 5.5 percent)</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi">Playoff Forecast</a>: 0.6 percent (down from 2.6 percent)</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/21/4132726/blazers-hover-in-week-20-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-03-12T14:12:24-07:002013-03-12T14:12:24-07:00Blazers Hold Steady In Week 19 NBA Power Rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_rGgwI4WQNLhyL25sw0MdjIOqnI=/0x781:2666x2558/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9595225/20130308_jla_ai1_331.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 19 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers held steady in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after a 2-2 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included wins over the Charlotte Bobcats and San Antonio Spurs and losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Hornets.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/7/4074162/blazers-rise-in-week-18-nba-power-rankings" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 17-20. This week, it was almost exactly the same.</p>
<p>-------------------------</p>
<p>Blazersedge would appreciate any help you might be able to offer in sending hundreds of kids to a Blazers game. Full details on how to donate <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/11/4092816/portland-trail-blazers-vs-memphis-grizzlies-2012-2013">here</a>.</p>
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<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (same as last week).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>At 9-18 since its 20-15 start, Portland is leaving us little choice but to devote this precious real estate to Damian Lillard and his bid to join Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Damon Stoudamire, Allen Iverson and Steve Francis on the short list of rookies in history who averaged 18 PPG and six APG.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>John Schuhmann</b> of <b>NBA.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (same as last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blazers' 136 points (79 in the second half) in San Antonio on Friday was maybe the most out-of-nowhere performance of the season. To prove it, they came back down to earth with Sunday's loss to the Hornets, even though Wesley Matthews hit three more clutch-time 3-pointers to give him a league-leading 15 for the season. He's got some more work to do to catch Mike James' 22 in 2005-06.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Dollinger</b> of <b>SI.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130308/nba-power-rankings-oklahoma-city-thunder-los-angeles-clippers-san-antonio-spurs/index.html">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (same as last week)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Eric Maynor is already looking like a steal for the Blazers, averaging 9.6 points and 6.3 assists off the bench in his last three games. Maynor, who fell out of favor in Oklahoma City because of Reggie Jackson's emergence, played more than 20 minutes in each of those three games after seeing that much playing time just once in 37 games in OKC. He's getting time at both backcourt spots for the Blazers and making them look wise for acquiring him for essentially nothing at the deadline.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Kurt Helin</b> of <b>ProBasketballTalk.com </b><a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/11/nba-power-rankings-after-the-heat-it-gets-interesting/">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (up from No. 20)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As injuries have pushed Andre Drummond, Anthony Davis and others to the side it has become more and more clear Damian Lillard will run away with Rookie of the Year. So, there's your bright spot, Blazers fans.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Marc Spears</b> of <b>Yahoo! Sports </b><a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--no-one-can-cool-the-heat-155026241.html">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (down from No. 18 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blazers, who host the Grizzlies on Tuesday, will be hoping Memphis is looking ahead to their West showdown Wednesday night against the Clippers.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>David Aldridge</b> of <b>NBA.com </b>did not include the Blazers in his "fine 15" <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/david_aldridge/03/11/morning-tip-young-guard-combos-kings-sale-update-qa-with-paul-pierce/index.html">this week</a>.</p>
<p><b>John Hollinger</b> (formerly) of <b>ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (up from No. 21 last week)</a>.</p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats" target="_blank">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 12 (up from No. 14 last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 25 (same as last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 17 (down from No. 16 last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 20 (down from No. 18 last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds">Playoff odds</a>: 5.5 percent (up from 5.1 percent)</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi">Playoff Forecast</a>: 2.6 percent (up from 1.5 percent)</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/12/4095762/blazers-hold-steady-in-week-19-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-03-07T00:10:29-08:002013-03-07T00:10:29-08:00Blazers Rise In Week 18 NBA Power Rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HP4k4h9LwKniwj4CJKAZ5v8TfY4=/0x0:2920x1947/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9238543/20130306_pjc_ad8_228.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 18 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers rose in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after a 1-1 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included a loss to the Denver Nuggets and a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/27/4038242/blazers-drop-in-week-17-nba-power-rankings" target="_blank">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranged from 19-24. This week, they mostly ranged from No. 17 to No. 20.</p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (up from No.19).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>On the rebounding front: J.J. Hickson is up to nine 15-and-15 games this season -- second only to Dwight Howard -- but LaMarcus Aldridge recently went seven straight games with six boards or fewer. That's Aldridge's longest such streak since a 16-gamer during his rookie season in 2006-07.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>John Schuhmann</b> of <b>NBA.com </b><a href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (up from No. 22)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>After a brutal February in which they got outscored by more than 10 points per 100 possessions, the Blazers were probably happy to flip the calendar to March. They played just two games last week, but that was enough for rookie Meyers Leonard to break out, scoring 25 total points in the two games. Still, he was a little too excited about dunking on a 36-year-old point guard on Wednesday.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Dollinger</b> of <b>SI.com </b><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130301/2013-nba-power-rankings-oklahoma-city-thunder-miami-heat/index.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (up from No. 19)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A Western Conference scout gave Damian Lillard a less-than-glowing review to Sean Deveney of Sporting News recently, highlighting Lillard's ability to score but adding he needs to "improve his playmaking." Lillard averages is 14th in assists among point guards (6.4) and is clearly still a work in progress. That said, he's light years ahead of most rookie point guards, leaving little doubt that his playmaking will catch up to his scoring soon enough.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Kurt Helin</b> of <b>ProBasketballTalk.com </b> <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/04/nba-power-rankings-its-miami-then-everyone-else/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (up from No. 24)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As their focus goes from making the playoffs to the summer, the question I wonder about is if LaMarcus Aldridge can be the recruiter the Blazers can use to go with that cap space they have.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Marc Spears</b> of <b>Yahoo! Sports </b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--the-heat-are-back-on-top-191600569.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 18 (up from No. 19 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Forbes magazine ranks Blazers owner Paul Allen as the world's 53rd richest man and the NBA's richest owner at $15 billion, surpassing the Brooklyn Nets' Mikhail Prokhorov ($13 billion).</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore</b> of <b>CBSSports.com </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (up from No. 20 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Maybe they can just play the Bobcats for the rest of the season.</p>
<p>Trying really hard to fight their way through their roster makeup. Still able to rattle teams like Boston at home.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>David Aldridge</b> of <b>NBA.com </b>did not include the Blazers in his "fine 15" <a href="http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/david_aldridge/03/04/morning-tip-kings-relocation-nbpa-future-jrue-holiday-contract-tyson-chandler-qa/index.html" target="_blank">this week</a>.</p>
<p><b>John Hollinger</b> (formerly) of <b>ESPN.com </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2">ranks the Blazers No. 21 (up from No. 24 last week)</a>.</p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 14 (up from No. 16 last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 25 (same as last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 17 (down from No. 16 last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 18 (up from No. 19 last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>Hollinger's <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds" target="_blank">Playoff odds</a>: 5.1 percent</p>
<p><b>Basketball-Reference.com</b> <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.cgi" target="_blank">Playoff Forecast</a>: 1.5 percent</p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/3/7/4074162/blazers-rise-in-week-18-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver2013-02-27T18:40:27-08:002013-02-27T18:40:27-08:00Blazers Drop In Week 17 NBA Power Rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YrbCRXbd73G90vacpObpZ1AIF4c=/0x774:2807x2645/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8837851/20130224_jel_ad3_381.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A summary of the Portland Trail Blazers' standing in various 2012-13 Week 17 NBA power rankings.
</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers dropped in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after a 1-2 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included losses to the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers and a win over the Boston Celtics.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/12/3981440/blazers-dip-slightly-in-week-15-nba-power-rankings" target="_blank">Last week</a>, the Blazers mostly ranked in the 19-21 range. This week, they mostly ranged from 19-24.</p>
<p><b>Marc Stein</b> of <b>ESPN.com</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (up from No.20).</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>If the Blazers hadn't beaten Boston on Sunday night, they'd be mired in their first eight-game skid since April 2006. The willingness to trade J.J. Hickson at the deadline, mind you, made it clear that securing another lottery pick is their unspoken preference anyway, even after that Cinderella first half.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Schuhmann</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">NBA.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> </span><a style="line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 21)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blazers ended their seven-game losing streak (they actually lost to the Suns on Tuesday) against the Celtics on Sunday with a big game (24 points on 8-for-11 from the field) and a big shot from Wesley Matthews, who is 16-for-30 from 3-point range over his last five games and 11-for-24 from beyond the arc in clutch time this season. Portland is 8-2 when Matthews has scored more than 20 points.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">Matt Dollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">SI.com </b><span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130222/nba-power-rankings-miami-heat-san-antonio-spurs-oklahoma-city-thunder/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (same as last week)</a>. Note: this one was posted last Friday.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;"></span>Eric Maynor has played only 10.6 minutes per game for Oklahoma City this year, but he'll be a pivotal player in Portland, which gets a backup for Damian Lillard and some offensive punch for a punchless bench. No one on the Blazers' bench averages more than 4.1 points, leaving plenty of opportunities for the incoming fourth-year guard to make an impact. While Maynor missed nearly all of last season with an ACL tear and struggled to re-establish himself this season in Oklahoma City, he averaged 10.4 points and 7.1 assists per 36 minutes when he played all 82 games in 2010-11. GM Neil Olshey said Maynor would play alongside Lillard at times, too.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Kurt Helin</b> of <b>ProBasketballTalk.com</b> <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/25/nba-power-rankings-hot-hot-heat-move-back-to-top-spot/" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 24 (down from No. 17 two weeks ago)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Lost seven in a row (before Wesley Mathews got them a win over the Celtics Sunday) and with the Lakers and Mavericks surging it's hard to see this team coming back and make the playoffs.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Marc Spears</b> of <b>Yahoo! Sports </b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-power-rankings--spurs-feeling-the-heat--165341118.html" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 19 (down from No. 18 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>New point guard Eric Maynor is a solid backup for rookie Damian Lillard and offers the Blazers security because he will be a restricted free agent this summer.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Matt Moore</b> of <b>CBSSports.com </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 20 (down from No. 19 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Trying really hard to fight their way through their roster makeup. Still able to rattle teams like Boston at home.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>David Aldridge</b> of <b>NBA.com </b>did not include the Blazers in his "fine 15" <a href="http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/david_aldridge/02/25/morning-tip-trade-deadline-recap-kenneth-faried-stand-q-and-a-yao-ming/index.html" target="_blank">this week</a>.</p>
<p><b>Seth Rosenthal</b> of <b>SB Nation </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/2/26/4028458/nba-power-rankings-2013-spurs-heat" target="_blank">ranks the Blazers No. 17 (up from No. 18 last week)</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>That narrow win over the Celtics was big after Portland lost some ground in the West with losses to the rival Lakers and not-at-all-rival-you-really-shouldn't-be-losing-to-them-when-you're-battling-for-a-playoff-spot Suns.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b style="line-height: 16px;">John Hollinger</b><span style="line-height: 16px;"> (formerly) of </span><b style="line-height: 16px;">ESPN.com </b><a style="line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings/_/page/2">ranks the Blazers No. 24 (same as last week)</a><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<p>According to Hollinger's team stats, <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats">the Blazers ranked</a>...</p>
<ul>
<li>No. 16 (same as last week) in offensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 25 (same as last week) in defensive efficiency</li>
<li>No. 16 (up from No. 17 last week) in rebound rate </li>
<li>No. 19 (same as last week) in pace</li>
</ul>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/27/4038242/blazers-drop-in-week-17-nba-power-rankingsBen Golliver